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NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers players pose with jerseys at press conference at Staples Center. From left: Branden Dawson (22), DeAndre Jordan (6), Austin Rivers (25), coach Doc Rivers and Josh Smith (5), Cole Aldrich (45), Paul Pierce (34) and Wesley Johnson (33). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Clippers

Will This Bench Get The Job Done?

In the postseason last year, the Los Angeles Clippers‘ starting five outscored opponents by 4.3 points per 100 possessions, the fourth best mark among playoff teams, per NBA.com. Even in the series they choked away against the Rockets, the Clippers’ starters were a +7.6 per 100 possessions. When the bench came in, however, Lob City turned into Slob City.

Doc Rivers caught a lot of flak for the job he did as general manager last season, but he did everything he could this summer — with limited cap space — to give his starters more chances at getting the rest they need to dominate with the same flurry in a long playoff run. The bench hasn’t looked good in the preseason, but the reserves deserve some time to adjust to their new situation.

Lance Stephenson is a risk, but he works hard on defense, makes plays and probably can’t shoot much worse than he did last year — at the measly cost of the unused Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes, who was replaced by free agent Paul Pierce. The Truth is getting old, but he can still make clutch shots in a tight spot.

Swiping Josh Smith from the team that bested the Clips was a stroke of genius, while Wesley Johnson, Pablo Prigioni, Austin Rivers and Cole Aldrich figure to contribute as well. If the Clippers don’t get the job done, they won’t be able to blame their lack of depth this time around.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers